5 things we learned from our sit-down with Debbie Stabenow

Last week, the Free Press had the chance to sit down for a wide-ranging interview with U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow, D-Mich., who is stepping down at the end of her fourth six-year term in early 2025. Here's five things we learned from that chat with Michigan's first and, so far, only woman senator.

Her health is fine, she's really leaving because she thinks it's time

Any time a public figure decides to step away, there's a lot of speculation about why — and it's been no different with Stabenow. But the 72-year-old senator assured us that her health is fine and there are no underlying reasons behind her decision not to run in 2024 other than the ones she has already given: She wants to spend more time with her family, including her 96-year-old mom, and she thinks it's time to "pass the torch" to a younger generation of political leaders. "People have asked me … what is it really?" she said. "It really is what I'm indicating."

Only a tight circle of people knew, not other politicians

Stabenow's announcement, which came Jan. 5, shocked the political world, especially in Michigan. Many believed it was a near-certainty she would run again. Stabenow told us that when it came to making the decision, she kept her conversations close to the vest, speaking only with some close staff and family. "This was a very personal decision," she said. "I knew it would be — once folks start talking, it would be explosive."

More:Debbie Stabenow talks about 'suiting up' to represent Michigan and why she's stepping down

She's not surprised Gov. Whitmer has taken herself out of the running to replace her

Asked whether she was surprised that Gov. Gretchen Whitmer — who can't run for reelection because of term limits — has seemingly taken herself out of consideration to replace her as senator, Stabenow said no. Whitmer has just begun a second term in which, for the first time in decades, Democrats control both chambers of the state Legislature. "She has a wonderful opportunity for the first time in 40 years," Stabenow said. "I know that she's very excited about it. This is the moment to really do the things that she thinks are important for people and will move the state forward."

She's uncertain what she'll do after she leaves office

For now, Stabenow's focus is on the next two years, concentrating on her priorities and passing a new five-year farm bill as chair of the Senate Agriculture Committee. Beyond her term, however, she's not sure what she'll do, other than that she'll remain active. "I guess I've spent my time focusing on making the decision, which, (is) not easy, it's a big decision," she said. "I'll have a lot of time the next two years to figure out the next steps."

She's certain her successor will be a Democrat

Some political pundits have pointed to Stabenow's decision to depart after this term as a sign of Democratic weakness in the next election. While it's true that Democrats will be forced to defend more seats than Republicans, Stabenow said that had nothing to do with her decision — and that she's confident she'll be replaced by a Democrat. "I'm going to be involved in continuing to strengthen and organize through the Democratic Party so we are ready for 2024," she said. And once the primary is done, whoever is nominated, she added, "there's no doubt I'm going to be locking arms with whoever our nominee is and working my heart out."

Contact Todd Spangler: tspangler@freepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @tsspangler.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Debbie Stabenow interview: 5 things we learned